First Soldado was unlucky not to direct his near-post header closer to the target but on the second Lennon cross he just overran the ball, failing to add any power as he nodded tamely at Cardiff keeper David Marshall.

Craig Bellamy caught Andros Townsend in possession to race clear and send Fabio tearing into the Spurs box. As the Brazilian pulled the trigger though, Spurs skipper Michael Dawson produced a timely block.

Livewire Cardiff striker Bellamy was then booked for dissent after Dawson cut out a threatening ball that would have set him clear on goal.

Lennon flew clear in a bid to wrestle control, only for Ben Turner to intervene just as space opened for a shot.

John felled Lennon from behind on Spurs' right flank, on the cusp of the penalty area. Cardiff's left-back received a yellow card but was mightily fortunate not to concede a penalty.

Townsend hit the target from the free-kick, but never really troubled Marshall.

Fabio worked Gary Medel free in the box for Cardiff, but the Chilean's feeble effort was no issue for Lloris.

Cardiff sent Kenwyne Jones into action to cause mayhem in the Tottenham defence, but the powerful striker could not find a team-mate with his only notable contribution, a knock-down in the box.

Adebayor had the chance to tee up Lennon for a clear scoring chance late on, only to miscue the pass. Spurs replacement Harry Kane failed to convert a one-on-one with Marshall in the dying stages to boot.